With a mere flicker of thought, Zong Shou knew why Feng Taiji had sought him out.

His gaze swept past the man, noticing Zhao Yanran standing behind him, her eyebrows also etched with gravity.

He gave a half-smile. "Brother Feng has come specifically seeking me out; surely it isn't just for this matter?"

Whether Feng Taiji knew he was out of seclusion or simply dared to disturb him indicated the matter was significant.

"While that is true, it is still best to settle the matter of the Seven Kingdoms' thrones sooner rather than later. Stabilizing the situation will prevent widespread anxiety. As far as I know, quite a few people within those seven nations have already begun to waver in their loyalties. They are only hesitant because they witnessed the demise of the Hermit of Nine Serenity at our hands and have not yet grasped our true strength—"

As he spoke, Feng Taiji’s voice grew serious. "Furthermore, if the kingship isn't confirmed, no one will remit the annual tribute and taxes owed by the seven nations."

Zong Shou looked again at Zhao Yanran; she wore a similar expression, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, her eyes full of displeasure.

Of the leaders overseeing the Three Sects this time, she was by far the most disappointing.

Perhaps unused to authority, she had managed adequately on the ship, but upon arriving in the Lotus Origin Realm, she seemed utterly lost, leading to widespread resentment among the disciples of the Common People Sect—a complete loss of face.

Her grim expression was understandable.

This madwoman might finally grasp the difficulty of ruling a nation, a burden Zong Shou bore.

Perhaps this was for the best, saving him from her constant sarcasm.

Feng Taiji’s previous point was sound, but the crux of the issue lay at the end.

Both he and Zhao Yanran were dissatisfied with the chaos below. The confused state of affairs not only hindered their establishment in the Lotus Origin Realm but also reduced their potential gains.

"I am already aware of this. I will deal with it shortly!"

Zong Shou nodded slightly; it was indeed time to resolve these matters. He already had some idea where to begin.

"That is best. We shall await Your Majesty's convenience to manage things."

Feng Taiji finished that sentence, but then his tone shifted, pausing slightly. "I heard that the Hermit of Nine Serenity, when appointing the royal houses, never selected the talented, only those who were obedient. Contemplating this method, I find some logic in it. Or perhaps, we could simply select from the soldiers under Your Majesty’s command. This is my humble opinion. I ask Your Majesty to reconsider—"

This time, Zong Shou merely smiled without commenting, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Generally speaking, that method was the safest.

However, he had his own arrangements for this matter.

Zong Shou chose the main hall of the Pure Origin Palace as the venue for receiving the rulers of the Seven Kingdoms.

Undoubtedly, this was the most magnificent location within the Pure Origin Palace.

Four hundred zhang long from north to south, it was constructed entirely of red sandalwood and agarwood, their fragrance drifting for a thousand li, lending an air of dazzling splendor.

It surpassed the Grand Council Hall of Zong Shou by an immeasurable degree.

Sitting high on the throne, looking down, one could easily imagine accommodating an army of ten thousand.

And now, the rulers of the Seven Kingdoms, along with their entire royal families, trembled slightly as they knelt before his throne.

In fact, it wasn't just the royals. Present for this audience were also the ministers and generals of the seven kingdoms—anyone holding even a sliver of power had been summoned.

A bustling crowd, numbering close to a thousand people, their expressions ranging from awe, curiosity, scorn, to indifference, yet all bowed their heads in utmost reverence.

Zong Shou casually swept his gaze across them, his brow furrowing upon spotting the first few dozen figures.

Zong Shou, a hero of his age, had never bowed in defeat, even when humiliated at the Lin Hai Academy; he would sooner die maintaining his upright posture.

Therefore, he held the deepest disdain for such weak, mud-like individuals.

But then, thinking of the Hermit of Nine Serenity’s past actions—only selecting the obedient and merely using the truly talented without granting them high office—he understood.

Looking at those within the hall, many wore expressions of detachment, as if unconcerned, or perhaps having already expected this outcome. Some looked coldly aloof, others obsequiously flattering, and still others masked their hatred with icy gazes.

Zong Shou smiled and withdrew his attention.

"Where is the Ruler of the Great Xuan Kingdom?"

After his voice faded, a long moment passed before a pale middle-aged man rose and prostrated himself before Zong Shou.

"Your insignificant subject, Du Yi, awaiting judgment, greets Your Majesty, the Immortal Sovereign!"

Zong Shou didn't even glance his way.

"You were appointed by the Hermit of Nine Serenity. I hear that for the past twenty years, you followed his orders, oppressing your people and ruthlessly hoarding wealth, resulting in countless starving citizens in your nation resorting to exchanging children for food?"

Du Yi gave a wry smile. Everything had been ordered by the Hermit of Nine Serenity; did he dare disobey? Resistance would surely have cost him his life.

Before he could offer a defense, Zong Shou waved his sleeve dismissively.

"Today, the Immortal Dynasty changes; the Hermit of Nine Serenity is dead, and you deserve elimination! After handing over power to the new sovereign, you may take your entire family and leave the Lotus Origin World. Remember this: during the transition, you must assist the new ruler in stabilizing the state. Otherwise, my words might not remain as spoken—"

Hearing this, Du Yi first started in shock, then burst into joy. Not being buried with the Hermit of Nine Serenity and being allowed to leave unharmed—this outcome far exceeded his wildest hopes! As for the subsequent instructions, he understood they were the price of survival.

At this point, even the remaining rulers had the look of despair recede from their eyes, replaced by a flicker of hope.

Zong Shou then inquired, "Who is He Daoren, the Governor-General of the Kunnan Province in the Great Xuan Kingdom?"

The seven southwestern kingdoms of the Lotus Origin Realm were each equivalent to half a province, governing five prefectures. The Governor-General of Kunnan Province governed the smallest and poorest region within that kingdom. Yet, due to its border location, it maintained a strong military force.

He Daoren, the Governor-General, was a robust youth around thirty years old. Hearing his name suddenly called, he clearly hadn't expected Zong Shou to mention him and looked momentarily astonished.

Then, his expression sobered, and he stepped forward. "This humble subject of the Xuan Kingdom, He Daoren, greets the Immortal Sovereign!"

Zong Shou smiled faintly, examining the man closely, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. To remain neither servile nor arrogant under the subtle pressure of his Soul Force was proof enough that the man was capable. No wonder the hidden guards under Ruoshui held him in high regard.

"I hear you have held office for several years and have resisted tax collection three times. Is this true?"

He Daoren remained silent. It was true, but those three instances were unavoidable. The Kunnan Province was truly too impoverished to comply. In truth, his heart was clear; if this Immortal Sovereign truly intended to make an example of someone, he had nothing to say.

"Your administrative ability is significant. At least over the last three years, the number of people who starved to death in Kunnan Province was the lowest among the eight prefectures of the Xuan Kingdom."

At this, Zong Shou’s tone suddenly grew solemn.

"Your character and moral integrity are both excellent. After today, you shall succeed the Ruler of the Xuan Kingdom! I ask you one thing: Are you willing to serve my Great Qian Immortal Dynasty?"

This declaration stunned not only He Daoren but everyone else in the hall. Those who had secretly been anticipating schadenfreude nearly bit their tongues. In their view, this man was the least likely candidate to inherit the throne.

Feng Taiji and Zhao Yanran also abruptly stood up, their brows tightly furrowed. They had heard of this Governor-General of Kunnan Province. It was said he was highly opinionated, and once enthroned, he might not be entirely subservient to the Great Qian and Zong Shou.

He Daoren paused for a moment, then his brow knitted tightly before finally letting out a slight sigh, bowing low. "This humble subject dares not refuse service! I thank the Immortal Sovereign for this immense grace."

Zong Shou smiled, understanding what reservations He Daoren held. Perhaps the man valued his reputation more than power, worrying about how to satisfy the demands of the Immortal Court in the future. He decided not to dwell on it for now and proceeded to handle the remaining six rulers, quickly settling on successors in a swift, decisive manner.

Initially, Feng Taiji had assumed He Daoren was merely an exception. However, as time went on, every successor appointed was indeed a capable individual from within their respective kingdoms. Though none possessed He Daoren's exceptional brilliance, they were all remarkable in their own right—some known for administrative skill and having earned a reputation for benevolence among the populace, others for military command and blazing achievements in battle.

This left the nearly one thousand people in the hall utterly silent.

Finally, Zong Shou was not finished. He continued calmly, "My Great Qian Immortal Dynasty differs from the Hermit of Nine Serenity; we do not favor coercion. If your seven kingdoms wish to accept my patronage, you may remit two-tenths of your national taxes to the Immortal Court. If you do not wish to, you need not! Naturally, should you require aid in the future, there will be no protection from me. Consider yourselves removed from the vassals of the Great Qian—"

Listening to this, Feng Taiji’s hands were already cracking audibly.

Zong Shou was truly generous! Even without demanding the five-tenths tax imposed by the Hermit of Nine Serenity, there was no reason to lower it to two-tenths. And he was leaving it up to their voluntary choice? Was this Blood Sword Demon Lord insane?

A buzz filled the hall as everyone exchanged glances, filled with disbelief or inexplicable delight. In He Daoren’s eyes, a sharp light gleamed.

Zong Shou’s words continued: "Furthermore, if any of your mortal subjects discover any rare treasures, you may bring them to my Pure Origin Palace, and I will send someone to trade for them with items of equal value. Be it spirit stones, spirit artifacts, or even martial or spiritual cultivation methods. I will issue a proclamation about this to the world—"

Feng Taiji, initially enraged, had calmed down. What trickery was Zong Shou attempting? What was the true purpose of such promises?

Zong Shou gave a knowing smile and suddenly gazed pointedly at one person in the hall. It was a handsome man in his forties, sporting a fine beard. He was trying hard to blend into the crowd, appearing unremarkable. However, the fleeting flicker of mental fluctuation moments before had betrayed his essence.

"This must be the person Ruoshui spoke of? Truly interesting!" Zong Shou chuckled inwardly. Did this man truly believe he could hide from him? He was not the Hermit of Nine Serenity. If He Daoren was a benevolent official, this man was a genuine schemer.

"One last thing! I will select strong and capable men from the seven kingdoms to join the Immortal Court military. Moreover, anyone who feels they have the aptitude for martial arts or spiritual cultivation may come before the Pure Origin Palace. This time, three great sects have followed me: the Common People Sect, the Sword Sect, and the Buddhist Gate. All possess methods for achieving longevity, and their martial or spiritual arts are supreme. The people of the Lotus Origin Realm may join their ranks—"

Feng Taiji’s face contorted, and he couldn't help but crush the bronze cup in his hand into powder. (To be continued) RQ